[Atlantic Bridge]

So what? Since the recent Trans-Atlantic clash over Iraq NATO is stone cold death anyhow. The broad public (and its leadership) in "old Europe" does not believe in NATO anymore.

Nevertheless I think that this reaction is a littlebit overexaggerated. Other opponents of the Iraq war do not have to deal with such a offending loss of American goodwill. Even Gerhard Schroeder, who was one of the staunchest opponents of Iraq was invited and visited by G.W.Bush. Maybe because Germany is a more important country to the US? Anyway this kind of policy is not helpful.

[SirJohnBarleycorn]

Even Gerhard Schroeder, who was one of the staunchest opponents of Iraq was invited and visited by G.W.Bush.

Actually, after Schroeder played the Anti-American card to win in his previous election, Bush refused to return Schroeder's calls or schedule a meaningful visit with him for a very long time.

Glad to see the back of that slimy jerk. Looks like Schroeder is now collecting his paycheck from the Russians for services rendered.

[ProudNorseman]

You are German right? I would actually like to see your country redevelop some of its military clout (and no, not for the reasons which one poster above might suspect...)

Any chance of that happening?

[Kurt_Hectic]

I don't believe that NATO is dead. After the EU fails to build up a believable military reaction-force, NATO will be stronger than ever.

Europe needs USA and USA needs Europe. Europe needs USA more than USA needs Europe, but it's still a practical marriage that's going to last.

If not, Europe is toast...

[Theoden]

Obviously the Socialist party in Norway is against the war, and unfortunately, they are in charge of the government right now. The snubbing was against them, not the Norwegian people, or the right-wing parties. Having said that, I still don't think it was a smart move on Bush's part. I don't like the idea of us snubbing allies, even if they disagree with us.

I know of Norway's radar contribution, it's officers who are training troops in Afghanistan AND Iraq, the elite mountain troops deployed in Afghanistan (who were decorated by President Bush), etc... We are thankful for the help, no doubts there.

The thing is, here on FreeRepublic, some of the people have intellects equivalent to that of a brick. Many don't even know the difference between the Danish and the Dutch as demonstrated on the Jullands-Posten cartoon threads. Many like to rant and rave on how they dislike Europe, but I don't think it is malice, just frustration with many European governments who are supposed to be our allies. Don't take everything personally. I'm Catholic, and the Lord knows, there's a lot of people here who don't like me for that reason alone, and feel free to share it with me. LOL. I've started to grow some thick skin, and if you are a European on FR, you need to get some too!

[SuziQ]

The broad public (and its leadership) in "old Europe" does not believe in NATO anymore.

That's because they no longer need the protection of the US from the Soviet Union.

[cva66snipe]

Hum just a hunch we can't outsource work to them. Nor can we build up a large trade deficit {debt} to Norway. Nor can we give away another piece of the USA to them etc of any significance. So our government simply ignores them.

[hershey]

Germany's wondering out loud if they don't need nuclear weapons.